Symptoms of Salmonella Poisoning

The symptoms of salmonella poisoning are most visible in children and those with a weaker immune system. Food poisoning from salmonella can lead to a fatal medical condition called 'salmonellosis'. This HealthHearty article tells you its symptoms so that you can detect poisoning signs immediately in the future.

Rutuja Jathar

Did You Know?

It only requires 15-20 cells of salmonella bacteria to infect a human.

Food poisoning is an acute illness caused due to consumption of food that is contaminated by certain harmful bacteria, natural poisons, or bacterial and chemical toxins. Various symptoms include vomiting, stomach ache, headache, diarrhea, prostration, etc. There are various types of food poisoning that can affect the human health as well as the health of animals, and 'salmonella infection' is one of them.

Salmonella Food Poisoning

Salmonella is a motile kind of enterobacteria, most often occurring pathogenically in the intestines of animals and humans. These bacteria gain energy from oxidation. Most species of salmonella produce hydrogen sulfide and are very closely related to the Escherichia genus. It is found in all kinds of cold- and hot-blooded animals, humans, and many non-living habitats as well. It can cause illnesses like typhoid and paratyphoid fever and several food-borne illnesses.

Salmonella infections are actually zoonotic; meaning, they can be transmitted to humans through animals or vice versa. They are mostly caused by consumption of food that is infected by this bacteria. According to studies, more than 40,000 cases are reported in the U.S. every year, and more than 600 people die because of salmonellosis. The symptoms of this disease increase multiple folds in summer than in winters.

Symptoms of Poisoning

Salmonella bacterium attacks the intestines and the abdominal region. In severe cases, it may also enter the lymph tracts that carry body fluids and proteins to the blood. The symptoms are commonly observed in individuals who possess a weak immune system. Most common sources of salmonella bacteria are contaminated eggs, chicken, and other dairy products. Following are the signs and symptoms.

Vomiting and Nausea

First symptoms are excess vomiting and nausea. These are said to be the body's first reaction in order to get rid of the toxins. Persistent and excessive vomiting can lead to dehydration, which needs special attention.

Diarrhea

The group of salmonella bacteria often causes diarrhea that can also lead to severe medical conditions like vomiting and sometimes, bloody diarrhea. This leads to loss of body fluids and minerals, and can result into dehydration and weaknesses that may need hospitalization.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain and cramps can be one of the most primary signs and symptoms of this poisoning. The person affected can suffer from severe abdominal pain that is often accompanied with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea as well.

Fever

Along with the above mentioned gastrointestinal symptoms, one may also notice several other symptoms like fever. As it is already known, fever is an indication of the improper functioning of the body. The chances of severe and sudden fever that is accompanied with sudden chills is high, and it can also lead to typhoid and paratyphoid fever.

Along with the above-mentioned major symptoms, there are several other signs and symptoms that will require immediate medical attention. These signs may include severe headache, constipation, dry mouth and chapped skin, increased thirst, weakness, dark urine with decreased or increased release, and lack of energy.

Treatment and Precaution

Symptoms of salmonella poisoning should fade away within a week without any serious medication. Nevertheless, this doesn't clear out the chances of transmission of the poison to the blood stream. Hence, treatment and proper medical attention is required if the person is severely dehydrated and weak. Proper intake of important fluids and several antibiotics that are suggested by the healthcare providers is all that the patient needs. Some of these include maintaining proper hygiene, avoiding consumption of raw and undercooked meat and poultry, washing hands before consuming food, etc. As there are no vaccinations available for salmonella food poisoning, one has to follow all the precautionary measures to avoid it.

Recovery from the salmonella food poisoning is a relatively easy process. In some extreme cases, patients have shown signs of eye irritation, joint pain (condition called Reiter's syndrome that can last longer or for lifetime as well), and painful urination.

To avoid all the aftermaths and effects of this poisoning, one must take care and prevent it from getting into the body system. Visiting the doctor on observation of primary and severe symptoms is vital to regain health and avoid further complications.